EKSC TO HOST NINE SUMMER CAMPS | BSCTC

    EKSC TO HOST NINE SUMMER CAMPS

    Young girl looking into giant soap bubble made with pink string.The East Kentucky Science Center and Planetarium, powered by Appalachian Wireless, will host nine camps this summer for area youth.

    Located on the Prestonsburg campus of Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC), the EKSC is a state-of-the-art facility that features a 40-foot dome, the states only GOTO Star Projector and the Spitz Sci-Dome projection system, one of only two dozen in the world.

    Our camps will help children explore the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) through interactive programs that will stimulate the mind and promote learning, said Steve Russo, director of the EKSC.

    Here is a breakdown of camps by grades (the grade a child will enter in August):

    Preschool and Kindergarten

    Animal Adventure | June 4 | 9 a.m. to noon | $10 (Member), $15 (Non-member): Get to know the animals at the EKSC as you will discover their species, habitat, diet, behavior, where they are from and what defines a living organism. The camp includes the Enchanted Reef planetarium show.

    Junior Engineer | July 10 | 9 a.m. to noon | $10 (Member), $15 (Non-member): Youll love being a Junior Engineer for the day! Follow blueprints to determine dimensions, measure your structure and test its strength. The camp includes the Astronaut Planetarium Show.

    First through fourth grades

    Enjoy a Frozen Summer | June 30 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | $25 (Member), $30 (Non-member): Beat the heat as we explore the science of ice, snow and water. Youll create your own snow, ice and frost. Come explore what it takes to melt a frozen heart. The camp includes the Enchanted Reef planetarium show.

    Polymers More common than you think | June 10 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | $25 (Member), $30 (Non-member): What is a polymer? Come explore how polymers are used in everyday life. Create your own bouncy ball, make instant snow, gooey worms and more. The camp includes the To Space and Back planetarium show.

    Fourth through sixth grades

    Advanced Polymers | June 25 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | $25 (Member), $30 (Non-member): What do bouncy balls, instant snow, gooey worms, sugar and plastic have in common? Come find out how fun and common polymers can be. Link many polymers and take home your creations. A more in-depth study of the science of polymers. The camp includes the To Space and Back planetarium show.

    Water Wonders | July 21 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | $25 (Member), $30 (Non-member): Explore the wonder of hydrology, the study of water, as we splash into its properties. This common renewable resource will not cease to amaze you. The camp includes the Oasis in Space planetarium show.

    Fifth through eighth grades

    Space Exploration | June 17-18 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | $40 (Member), $50 (Non-member): Do you ever look up at the stars and wonder what is up there? Come explore the far reaches of space and build and launch your own rocket in our study of the sky and space exploration. The camp includes the Two Small Pieces of Glass planetarium show.

    Robotics | July 15-16 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | $25 (Member), $30 (Non-member): Come engineer your own robot. Use our new Cubelet robotics kits to create robots with a purpose. Well make a robot out of common materials that you can take home with you. Joseph Collins, robotics coordinator from the Challenger Learning Center of Kentucky, will be visiting to speak about robotics and upcoming competitions. (This camp is half price thanks to funding from the National Girls Collaborative Project.) The camp includes the To Space and Back planetarium show.

    Family Feud: Electricity and Magnetism | July 28 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | $25 (Member), $30 (Non-member): Come enjoy the spine-tingling discovery of electricity and magnetism. See how this family interacts and learn how opposites attract. A truly shocking experience. The camp includes the Astronaut/Solar Quest planetarium show.

    Memberships for the East Kentucky Science Center and Planetarium are available. They include free admission to more than 300 science centers and museums worldwide, a 10 percent discount in the EKSC gift shop and discounted rates for camps and special events. Rates are $25 for student membership, $50 for value membership (two individuals), $60 for grandparent membership (two grandparents and two grandchildren) and $75 for family membership (up to four individuals).

    For more information, contact Heather Wheeler at (606) 889-4719 or email hwheeler0021@kctcs.edu.